Live reporting: Public Hearing - Master Plan 2013

from the Franklin Public Library

presenters: Jeff Roy

Over view with presentation similar to that provided to the Town Council on July 17th

Franklin, MA: Master Plan draft for review

"this is going to be a living document"

The public hearing on the Master Plan will be held today at 10:00 AM in the meeting room at the Franklin Public Library.

"It’s the most important part of the process," state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, committee chairman, said Friday. "We’ve gotten public input along the way in bits and pieces … but I don’t think anyone has seen the project we’ve put together in one document. People may look at some of the ideas a little differently in the context of the bigger picture." 

The 172-page master plan includes overarching goals, which are presented with specific actions for how to achieve them. 

Roy said he has already fielded calls about certain sections of the document. 

"The initial reactions I’ve seen are on the housing component," he said. "Folks think there is too much emphasis and focus on workforce housing. I’m getting the sense that people think we have enough of that inventory in Franklin."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x369946656/Hearing-this-morning-on-Franklin-master-plan#ixzz2bYtT3p41

Related posts on the 2013 Master Pin include links to the full plan document

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/master-plan-mission-and-vision.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/08/master-plan-mission-and-vision.html

Reporting from the initial presentation to the Town Council
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/07/the-master-plan-is-here-master-plan-is.html

Run for the Neighbor Brigade - Pam's Run

Franklin benefits from the good works done by our chapter of the Neighbor Brigade. Runners and walkers can participate in either a 3 mile or 5 mile course. All are welcome to contribute to the cause. Follow the link to register for the race or contribute.

“A road race that brings groups of neighbors together to support their communities had long been a dream of Pam’s,” said Nowland. “She understood the power of small, everyday acts of kindness and support, and something like this, which is so grounded in community to benefit Neighbor Brigade’s cause, would have made her heart sing.” 

Pam’s Run will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to noon. A party will be hosted throughout the event with food and fun for all ages. 

The race will start and finish at Loker School, located at 47 Loker St. in Wayland. 

To register for Pam’s Run go online (www.pamsrun.com). Registration is $30 per participant.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x997494997/Pams-Run-in-Wayland-to-honor-Neighbor-Brigade-founder#ixzz2bYpJsx00


47 Loker St, Wayland, MA


View Larger Map


Related posts on Franklin's Neighbor Brigade

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/in-times-of-challege-there-is-franklin.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/a-wonderful-community-service.html

Rescheduled: Bike Tour of the SNETT

Please note: Due to a scheduling conflict, the Bike Tour of the SNETT has been rescheduled to Saturday, August 24, 2013 from 8:30 to noon.  If you would like to join the tour, please use the registration link below.

+++++++++

The Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) will host a Guided Bike Tour of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT).  The tour will begin at the Grove Street trailhead in Franklin, and travel west 7.5 miles to Blackstone to learn about the work being done on the trail.  In Blackstone, you will have a chance to see the bridge rehab construction taking place, including a temporary ramp from Church St down to the RR grade, which will give you an idea of the Purchase Street ramp.  The tour will be led by Mr. Bill DeSantis, Corporate Director Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation of  Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (VHB Engineering).

This event is free, but we ask that you register in advance. Also, parking is available across the street from the trailhead at Grove St.

Register for this event now: www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/calendar/aug-bike-tour

Like Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail on Facebook

In the News: PMC, St Rocco's

Franklin girl pedals kindness in the PMC Kids' Ride

Last weekend's Pan Mass Challenge wasn't just for the grown ups. Younger riders got into the pedaling act, too, taking part in the Pass Mass Kids' Ride at Patriot Place on Sunday, Aug. 4.

St. Mary's readies for the Feast of St. Rocco in Franklin

St. Mary's Church in Franklin will hold the Feast of St. Rocco Friday night, and  all day Saturday and Sunday at the festival grounds across from the Franklin Town Common.

2013 Master Plan: Broad, overreaching goals

In preparation for the Public Hearing on the 2013 Master Plan to be held Saturday, 10:00 AM at the Franklin Public Library, I am sharing this key section. "This section of the Master Plan contains the broadest, most overreaching goals of the Master Plan, and is intended to provide a basic direction for each section."

Land-Use

The following policy statement and general goals were developed by the Land Use and Economic Development subcommittee. The focus of these goals is to establish the Town as a center for development while deterring unnecessary growth.

Policy Statement: Adopt long-term sustainability, and start-growth principles to attain fuller, more efficient development, protecting natural resources and the New England, small town character of Franklin.

General Goals:

• Designate areas for workforce housing in order to retain existing businesses and attract new industries;
• Minimize the occurrence of new development by focusing on Brownfield re-development; and
• Protect the health of our citizens and help sustain our businesses by preserving natural
• lands and the resources they provide.

Natural, Cultural and Historic Resources

This element’s policy statement and general goals were drafted by the Open Space and Recreation and the Natural, Cultural and Historic Resources subcommittee. The focus of these goals is to protect and support Franklin’s history, character, and creative and cultural resources.

Policy Statement: Preserve Franklin’s New England, small town character through controlled growth, preserving scenic vistas, supporting local arts and culture, and protecting historic architecture.

General Goals:

• Protect and preserve the integrity of natural resources in town;
• Provide resources for the arts, and support cultural initiatives in town to foster education and creativity;
• Maintain the Town’s historic appeal by identifying and protecting trademark land and historic characteristics.

Open Space and Recreation

The Open Space and Recreation and Natural, Cultural and Historic subcommittee developed this policy statement and general goals, which acknowledge the importance of open space and recreational resources for the physical and emotional health of Franklin’s residents. The policy statement and general goals aim to: increase open space and recreational availability and accessibility; maintain existing facilities and spaces for these resources; and make knowledge of these resources more abundantly available in Franklin.

Policy Statement: Open space and recreational resources are a key contributor to the quality of life in Franklin and an important aspect of the community’s appeal. Open lands help protect the Town’s water supply, manage flood waters, provide wildlife habitat, and provide opportunities for passive and active outdoor recreation within the Town.

General Goals:

• Document the Town’s open space and recreational resources, and improve public awareness of these resources through increased education, signage, publicity, and events;
• Preserve existing unprotected natural and open space resources in Franklin;
• Provide opportunities for passive and active recreation to meet the community’s evolving needs;
• Implement sustainable practices in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of Franklin’s public parks and playgrounds; and
• Investigate grant programs and other revenue sources available to provide funding for the goals and objectives of this chapter.

Circulation

The Circulation and Housing subcommittee championed this section’s policy statement and general goals. This subcommittee made sure all of the Town’s priorities in transportation were up-to-date and comprehensively covered. The subcommittee and DPW were also heavily involved in the development of the specific Circulation goals, objectives and actions, for moving forward.

Policy Statement: Assure the safe and efficient movement of goods and people within the Town of Franklin, and across the regional transportation network, by providing a range of integrated transportation options.

General Goals:

• Provide the necessary infrastructure to keep Franklin’s citizens and businesses moving and growing in town;
• Support green, sustainable transportation initiatives by accommodating pedestrians and cyclists throughout town;
• Reduce the dependence on single passenger vehicles by improving public transportation and ridesharing options; and
• Improve access and circulation in the Downtown.

Housing

The Circulation and Housing subcommittee created this section’s policy statement and general goals, ensuring the equal treatment of all of Franklin’s residents, while protecting natural resources and welcoming new industry for continued growth and development within Franklin.

Policy Statement: Support in-fill housing practices and provide for all affordability options, giving Franklin’s residents the opportunity to maintain a decent standard of living.

General Goals:

• Provide sufficient affordable housing;
• Encourage clustered and mixed-use housing to minimize land-clearing as well as conserve open and natural lands;
• Encourage the development of small scale housing units in and around the Downtown; and
• Welcome new industrial development by designating areas for workforce housing.

Economic Development

The Economic Development policy statement and general goals were developed by the Land Use and Economic Development subcommittee, and address the long-term financial strength and growth for the Town of Franklin. These general goals, along with the specific Goals, Objectives, and Actions outlined in the Implementation Element, are tailored to be in-line with the State’s Economic Development Plan which addresses five initiatives: advancing education and workforce development for middle-skill jobs through coordination of education; economic development and workforce development programs; supporting innovation and entrepreneurship; supporting regional development through infrastructure investments and local empowerment; increasing the ease of doing business; and addressing cost competitiveness.

Policy Statement: Adopt strategies for business and workforce retention and attraction to diversify Franklin’s economic foundation, and increase its property tax yields.

General Goals:

• Actively pursue the improvement of infrastructure to attract large industry, small businesses, and skilled workers;
• Further incentivize the biotechnology, medical device, and research industries to come to Franklin; and
• Advocate for the small business community, especially within and around the Downtown area.

Community Services and Facilities

The Community Services and Facilities subcommittee, with the assistance of Town Department Heads and other staff members, developed this section’s policy statement and general goals. The main priorities influencing this section were to serve Franklin’s residents and make sure any new services were developed sustainably.

Policy Statement: Provide adequate and appropriate facilities and infrastructure necessary to accommodate current and future community needs by maximizing use of existing resources and adding new assets in an economically prudent manner.

General Goals:

• Continue to provide quality police, fire, and emergency medical services to keep Franklin’s residents safe;
• Invest in Franklin’s future by increasing funding for its schools;
• Increase the capacity of the Town’s water and sewer supply as needed to accommodate new industrial development and strengthen Franklin’s economic and social infrastructure; and
• Support the safe and timely movement of people and goods throughout town.

The public input period is open until August 16, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. A copy of the Draft Plan is available online at http://town.franklin.ma.us/pages/FranklinMA_Planning/masterplandoc/doc, at Franklin Public Library or at the Department of Planning & Community Development in Franklin Municipal Building.

Franklin Music students 'tagging' this weekend

This weekend, Franklin Music students will be "tagging" or collecting donations at Stop & Shop for their upcoming performances at Disney World.

Stop and Shop

The bands, choruses and others will be performing an adjudicated concert in April, 2014 during school vacation week. This is one of several fund-raisers the Franklin Music Boosters is sponsoring so that students can help to pay for their trip.

Additional information on the Franklin Music Boosters can be found on their webpage:
http://www.franklinmusic.org/

Farmers Market: today - noon to 6:00 PM

on the Town Common, along the High St side.

Farmers Market today

Hockomock Area Y: Active Older Adult Day - Sept 5

The Hockomock Area YMCA Live Y’ers will sponsor the community’s annual Active Older Adult Day on Thursday, September 5th from 8:30am to 1:30pm at the Y branch located at 300 Elmwood Street in North Attleboro. Highlights include continental breakfast, activities, workshops, and a barbeque lunch featuring live entertainment by Dave Valerio. The cost for the day is $5 and all are welcome.

Community organizations represented during Active Older Adult Day will include GATRA, CVNA, Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Ameriprise Financial and more, offering tips and information. Also, guests are encouraged to try something new or check out a longstanding interest. 45-minute workshops on a variety of topics will be available, including: Balance, Family History, Healthy Lifestyles, Reflexology, Yoga, Travel, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, Jewelry Making and much more! Come for the day, for the workshops or just for lunch, whatever fits your schedule.

Live Y’ers brings people together, age 50 and over, with the commitment to the advancement of healthy lifestyles achieved through the nurturing of mind, body and spirit. Members meet monthly to plan overnight trips, day trips, lectures, special events, exercise classes, and more. Anyone interested in attending the September 5th Active Older Adult Day is invited to attend. You do not have to be a member of the Y.

To register for the event, please call a Hockomock Area YMCA branch: Franklin 508.528.8708 | Foxboro 508.643.2423 | North Attleboro 508.695.7001. Or, for further information, contact Live Y’ers Coordinator Anne Lonzo at 508.643.5260 or annel@hockymca.org. Pre-registration is suggested but not required.



About the Hockomock Area YMCA

We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. That’s why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side by side with our neighbors in our community to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Reach Out for Youth and Families is our annual support campaign to provide a YMCA experience to more than 15,000 local children and families in need.

In the News: candidates pull papers, regional dispatch center, St Rocco Festival

Two pull papers to run for Franklin Town Council

An incumbent councilor and a Finance Committee member have taken out nomination papers for a seat on the Town Council, while an incumbent School Committee member has pulled papers to return to that board.

Franklin council backs regional dispatch center

A regional dispatch center for the towns of Franklin, Wrentham, Plainville and Norfolk is one step closer to reality after the Franklin Town Council voted to move the project forward.

St. Rocco's Festival schedule of events

The 35th Annual Feast of St. Rocco gets underway in Franklin tonight, Thursday, Aug. 8, and will run through Sunday, Aug. 11, on the festival grounds across from the Franklin Town Common.

"It will take lots of money to fix the roads"

The DPW presented a plan to bring the roads currently rated 69 or less up to good condition at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday night. A copy of the presentation will be posted to the DPW webpage on Thursday and then shared here. (Actually update on Aug 12th)

http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_DPW/General_Pages/2013%20Roadway%20Presentation.pdf

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczZXVxdDQ5VFZGNnM/view?usp=sharing

Knowing I was going to get a copy of the presentation, I did not spend time capturing the numbers. It is likely some of the forecasted numbers could change anyway. Especially with regards to the Chap 90 funding and the local budget. Priorities change overtime and this is shown in the variability of the funding over the last several years.

While the funding is variable, it is clear that in order to fix the roads, it will take lots of money. Now the question becomes where do we get the money? One piece of the proposal is to put forward an override dedicated to roads. Naysayers will jump up and say that is all well and good for the first year but then it will go to the general funds and we'll not see it again so they'll come back asking for more. That would be true except that there is now a dedicated override. The legislation was changed to provide for this feature where some amount of money approved by the voters/tax payers would be dedicated in perpetuity for a specific purpose. In our case, it would be for the roads.

Tina Powderly expressed her approval for such a funding proposal to be put before the voters. Jeff Roy sort of agreed but then said with a new Council coming with the November elections, that such a decision should be left for them. No action was expected to be taken last night. If something does get scheduled before the election, you'll hear about it here. I suspect, the decision will wait for the new Council to decide upon.

The notes from the full Town Council meeting can be found here:

• Live reporting - legislation, comments and closing...
• Live reporting: DPW proposal on road repairs
• Live reporting: Town Council - Aug 7, 2013

If you haven't seen the road report mentioned, you can find it here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/franklin-road-conditions-from-worst-to.html

Public hearing: Draft 2013 Master Plan

Franklin’s Master Plan Committee will hold a public hearing to receive public input on the DRAFT 2013 Town of Franklin Master Plan. The hearing is scheduled for Saturday, August 10, 2013 at 10 a.m. in the conference room at Franklin Public Library. The Master Plan Committee developed documents, reviewed research and data, and obtained public input to outline and compose a Master Plan for the community. The draft report includes an Existing Conditions Report, Goals and Objectives and an Implementation Plan.

Early in the Master Plan rewrite process, the Master Plan Committee worked to develop general goals and a vision for the Town. The Town's current Mission Statement helped lead the Committee to the development of a new Mission Statement for the Master Plan Committee with a goal of adopting the Mission for Franklin as a community:

“Franklin is a community committed to high quality education and the superb delivery of public services. We strive to attract and retain businesses, both profit and non-profit, that grow our economy, create jobs, and contribute to a vibrant downtown center. We are committed to cultivating accessible open space, a sense of neighborhood, and a desire to preserve the character of our New England town. We support the safe and efficient movement of people and goods within the Town of Franklin, and across the regional transportation network, by providing a range of integrated transportation options. We are a community dedicated to effective planning, responsible land use, balanced growth, responsive government, racial, religious and economic diversity, and care and concern for its citizens and the environment. We value our arts, cultural and natural resources, heritage, and history, in order to foster a well-balanced community.”

The public hearing will give residents the opportunity to comment on the draft document. The Draft Plan was formulated as a result of public input received from public hearings held in May of 2012, review of the 1997 Master Plan, input from Town Officials, various Departments and Master Plan Committee members.

The public input period is open until August 16, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. A copy of the Draft Plan is available online at http://town.franklin.ma.us/pages/FranklinMA_Planning/masterplandoc/doc, at Franklin Public Library or at the Department of Planning & Community Development in Franklin Municipal Building.

Public input will be utilized to formulate the final document. Comments received will be reviewed by the Master Plan Committee and incorporated into a final Master Plan document to be endorsed by the Planning Board and Town Council at meetings during the week of September 16, 2013.

The Master Plan Committee members are Jeffrey Roy, Chairman, Matt Kelly, Vice Chairman, Andy Bissanti, Secretary, Christi Apicella, Nathan Carlucci, John Carroll, David F. Dobrzynski, Jay Duncan, James Esterbrook , Gene Grella, Jeff Livingstone, Greg Rondeau, Timothy C. Twardowski, and Chris Vericker.

The Committee has a website on the Franklin Town page at:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/Masterplan.

It also has a presence on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FranklinMasterPlan.

Residents can offer input online at either site.

In addition, written comments can be submitted to the following address:

Franklin Master Plan Committee at Planning and Community Development,
355 East Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038

Grand Re-Opening: Get In Shape for Women

Get In Shape For Women, the national fitness studio franchise that offers small-group personal training for women in a private, upscale environment, is proud to announce the Grand Re-Opening of its Franklin, MA studio under new management. 

Get In Shape For Women, located at 9 Summer Street in Franklin, MA, is celebrating its Grand Re-Opening this Saturday, August 10, 2013 between 12:30 and 2:30 PM. The new management team will be offering guided tours of the studio in addition to door prizes, games, and refreshments. This personalized training facility offers a 12-week transformation program for busy women in a comfortable facility with all the tools they need to succeed.

Franklin’s New Manager Linda Caplan says Get In Shape For Women stands out from other fitness facilities because, “It's the only single group training program in the country that offers women personalized training sessions bundled with informative and insightful nutritional planning.”

Caplan said Get In Shape specializes in "transitioning" - taking clients from a deconditioned and unhealthy state to conditioned and healthy by monitoring four variables: 

- Weight training to increase muscle tone and metabolism
- Cardiovascular training to burn fat and calories faster
- Nutrition to learn the proper way to eat and control weight
- Accountability; they check weight and measure body fat every two weeks to establish a baseline and ensure results

"When you reach your goal, maintenance is easier if you continue the behavior that got you there," said Caplan. "Otherwise, it's natural for the body to return to its previous state and fall away from the goals you've set.”

“Clients schedule their 60 minute appointments in person or on the phone. The typical client makes three to five visits a week,” said Maria Spiewakowski, the new owner of the Get In Shape For Women studio in Franklin. "The greatest thing about this model is that we're able to offer personal training at a fraction of a cost of others. The ladies have a great time on the floor. They actually enjoy getting in shape. We aim to make the atmosphere as fun as possible.”

"A lot of people go to the gym for a long time without being monitored and don't achieve the results they desire. People are always going to fall off a little, but monitoring them helps pull them back in," says Jim Earl, full time trainer and nutrition expert at the Franklin studio.

Clients go through their workouts to a cue CD that keeps everyone on track. Personal trainers supervise their breathing, form and technique to progress people and help them push their bodies. The usual session is an hour.

Caplan says the response to the new management team has been overwhelming. “The ladies walk through the door and are greeted by a positive, smiling team. In return, they have a grin from ear to ear! We make sure they feel welcome and reassure each and every client that their transformation is our number one priority,” said Caplan. 

The Franklin studio has a variety of different equipment that allow clients to perform different functions such as free weights, functional training stations, treadmills, and elliptical machines. In addition, the Franklin studio has just added the TRX Suspension Training System and Kettlebells to their fitness offerings.

Caplan enjoys her work because she loves interacting with clients and helping them to reach their fitness goals. "I’ve always wanted to have a positive impact on people’s lives. No words can explain the feeling I get when I see someone succeed at reaching their goals. This isn’t a job, it’s a blessing.”

Get In Shape For Women has hours from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays.

Call Linda Caplan at 508-530-3072 or Email Franklin@GetInShapeForWomen.com to inquire about a Free Session and Consultation.

Feel free to learn more about the Franklin studio on its Facebook Page:http://www.facebook.com/GetInShapeFranklin. 

Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zavzq9HhlBU

MassBudget: Analyzing the FY 2014 Budget

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Analyzing the FY 2014 Budget  The FY 2014 budget describes the state's spending plans - and its priorities - for the coming year. Since all of the Governor's funding-related vetoes have been overridden, the final budget largely mirrors the proposal produced by the legislature. This includes: State-wide investments to fix and repair our transportation system Roughly $100 million in additional funding for higher education--which is still 25% lower than the funding level from 2001 (adjusted for inflation) The first increase in general local aid for cities and towns in six years. Local aid funding, however, remains 46% below the 2001 level (adjusted for inflation) Our final FY 2014 Budget Monitor shows how the budget affects programs in Health Care, Education, Transportation, Youth Employment, and beyond - including information on Revenue.    In addition, a new fact sheet, "Health Care in the FY 2014 Budget," provides a more detailed summary of the proposals for MassHealth (Medicaid) and other subsidized health coverage programs. It is part of a series of FY 2014 reports describing the effect of various budget proposals on Health Care programs in Massachusetts. The series is produced by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center in partnership with the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute - and published by the Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute (MMPI).      Read our BUDGET MONITOR  Read about HEALTH CARE IN THE FY 2014 BUDGET See all of our BUDGET RESOURCES The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com by nberger@massbudget.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

In the News: Vinnie DeBaggis, St Rocco's, firefighter grant

As St. Rocco Festival begins, a tribute to 'the Don'

Vinnie DeBaggis was known for many things: His pleasant demeanor, his philanthropy, his volunteerism, his devotion to his family, church and town, and his ubiquitous presence at every Feast of St. Rocco in Franklin since St. Mary’s Parish began celebrating it 35 years ago.

St. Rocco's Festival schedule of events

The 35th Annual Feast of St. Rocco gets underway in Franklin tonight, Thursday, Aug. 8, and will run through Sunday, Aug. 11, on the festival grounds across from the Franklin Town Common.

Franklin gets $741K for firefighters

The Fire Department was awarded a $741,920 grant Thursday to cover the salary and benefits of four new firefighters, thereby eliminating a personnel deficit that has burdened the department since 2011.

General Cable employee stable following accident

A 54-year-old employee of General Cable is in stable condition at UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester after suffering serious injuries Tuesday at the company’s 20 Forge Parkway location.